of (may his soul rest in peace), Session 570
In the realm of practical mysticism, revelation (Mokshafah) serves as a portal that guides the seeker toward the inner vision of divine realities. This station, introduced as the first station in the chapter of Al-Haqiq (The Truths) in the Mansil al-Sirn, marks the point of departure for the seekers spiritual journey toward attaining the Truth. Revelation, like a pure mirror, invites the heart of the seeker to witness the divine manifestations and directs them from the ego and alienations that hinder spiritual unity toward the oneness of being. In this paper, relying on the lectures of (may his soul rest in peace), specifically from Session 570, a precise and comprehensive analysis of the station of revelation, its stages, and its connection to true spiritual realization will be explored.
Revelation, as the first station in the chapter of the truths, forms a triad with vision (Mushhadah) and inspection (Muyanah), each of which is derived from the other. These stages, like steps of a ladder, lead the seeker to a deeper perception of the Truth. Revelation is akin to distant sight; it is as if the seeker gazes at the shadows of the Truth from behind a thin veil. Vision is a step closer, wherein the seeker perceives clearer divine manifestations. Inspection, however, is the culmination of this journey, wherein the Truth fully manifests within the heart of the seeker. These three stations, in an inseparable connection, guide the seeker from outward appearances to inward realities.
Key Point: Revelation, vision, and inspection are gradual stages of witnessing the Truth, extending from the initial inner vision to the complete divine manifestation.
Revelation, by definition, is an inward connection that originates from the seekers heart and leads to the vision of the Truth. This connection, like a spiritual attraction, draws the heart toward the Truth, with the heart being its initial vessel. Revelation is not merely an outward vision but a form of witnessing that arises from the depth of the seekers being, inviting them to behold the divine truths. This station marks the seekers transition from external practices to inward realization, where the heart, like a pure vessel, becomes receptive to the divine lights.
Revelation is based on three degrees, each representing a phase in the seekers spiritual journey. These stages, like waves in the sea, are distinct yet interconnected:
In the first degree of revelation, the seeker attains an inner vision that is sometimes revealed and sometimes interrupted. This interruption is not due to external alienation but rather due to the suspicion of the self. Shubha al-Ayn, meaning the vision of the self or self-centeredness, acts as a thin veil, preventing the continuity of revelation. In this station, the seeker may sometimes perceive themselves alongside the Truth, declaring, I have seen the Truth, but this self-centeredness causes the revelation to be intermittent. However, in this degree, there is no real alienation, and the seeker is protected from the existence of external entities.
Key Point: The suspicion of the self in the first degree of revelation is the vision of the self, which interrupts continuous witnessing, but alienation has no place in this station.
In the second degree, revelation becomes continuous, and the suspicion of the self is removed. This station is like a clear river flowing steadily toward the sea. In this stage, the seeker is freed from egoism and perceives only the Truth. No external cause, egoistic desire, or selfish motivation can hinder their witnessing. This continuity signifies the full attainment of the Truth, and the seeker is protected from the deceptive tendencies of the self.
Key Point: Continuous revelation is a sign of liberation from the suspicion of the self and attainment of stable witnessing of divine manifestations.
In both the intermittent and continuous degrees of revelation, detachment from the other is a foundational characteristic. Alienation, like a shadow, has no place in the station of revelation. If revelation is interrupted and alienation enters, the seeker moves out of this station and is no longer in the vessel of truth. This detachment serves as a shield, protecting the seekers heart from foreign influences and guiding them toward unity of being.
True realization, which is the essence of revelation, refers to the actual attainment of the Truth and liberation from the deceptions of the self. These deceptions act as mirages, leading the seeker astray from the path of truth. In genuine revelation, the seeker is freed from these barriers, and their heart is solely engaged in contemplating the Truth. This realization reaches its peak in the second degree of revelation, where the suspicion of the self is also obliterated.
Key Point: True realization is the attainment of the Truth, which stands in opposition to the deceptions of the self and reaches perfection in continuous revelation.
Although revelation bears some similarities to the second degree of the station of intention (Qasd), it transcends it. In the station of intention, the seeker confronts obstacles and alienations and strives to overcome them. However, in revelation, alienation does not exist at all. In the first degree of revelation, the suspicion of the self takes the place of alienation, but in the second degree, even this suspicion is removed. This distinction highlights the superiority of the station of revelation over the station of intention, as in revelation, the seeker is freed from all internal and external obstacles and is solely devoted to the Truth.
True realization in revelation involves witnessing the manifestations of divine names. This witnessing, akin to observing the sun in a clear mirror, illuminates the seekers heart. In the second degree of revelation, this vision becomes continuous, and the seeker attains a deeper connection. This station signifies complete dissolution in the witnessing of the Truth, where no foreign reality remains in the seekers field of perception.
Key Point: True realization in revelation involves witnessing the manifestations of divine names, which in the second degree reaches continuity and perfection.
Revelation, like a precious gem, requires concealment to be safeguarded from the harms of the ego and arrogance. The seeker must keep this inner vision like a secret in their heart and avoid disclosing it. Concealment acts as a protective seal, preserving revelation in the vessel of the heart and paving the way for the seeker to progress toward higher stages of the journey. Revealing ones revelation may lead the seeker into the traps of self-centeredness or alienation, causing them to depart from the station of truth.
Key Point: Concealment of revelation is a sign of humility and protection of inner stations, safeguarding the seeker from the harms of the ego.
The Holy Quran, as an unparalleled source, refers to the station of witnessing and inner vision in numerous verses. One such verse that aligns with this station is the verse that introduces the heart as the vessel for receiving divine lights:
فَإِنَّهُ نَزَّلَهُ عَلَى قَلْبِكَ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَى لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ (البقرة: ۹۷)
This verse refers to the heart as the vessel for the descent of revelation and divine witnessing, aligning perfectly with the station of revelation. The heart of the seeker is like a mirror that reflects divine lights, guiding them toward the Truth.
The station of revelation, as the gateway into the chapter of truths, guides the seeker from external efforts toward the attainment of the Truth. This station, with its two degreesintermittent and continuousinvites the seekers heart to witness the divine manifestations. In the first degree, the suspicion of the self may cause revelation to be intermittent, but in the second degree, with the removal of this suspicion, witnessing becomes continuous. Detachment from the other is a common feature in both degrees, protecting the seeker from alienation and the deceptions of the self. Concealment of revelation, like a shield, preserves this station and leads the seeker toward higher spiritual levels. This exposition, lectures of (may his soul rest in peace), provides a scientific and comprehensive framework for understanding the station of revelation and paves the way for future research in the field of practical mysticism.
With the sincere supervision of Sadegh Khademi.
